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ZAGORA
aBOUT THE CITY
Dusty streets, terracotta buildings, huge skies. Zagora, in the south-east of Morocco, is a place that is inextricably linked with the Sahara Desert. Named after the nearby mountain, Zagora was once a stronghold of the Almoravid people, and their legacy can still be seen in the surrounding hills. Outside the town is the amazing Draa Valley, which follows the twists and turns of the river – an unforgettable place where thick groves of palm trees line the twists and turns of the river, while the Jbel Saghro mountain range rises in the background.
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ZAGORA CULTURE
The culture you’ll find in Zagora is very different to that of the northern towns and cities. While you’re here make time for the Musee des Arts and Traditions de la Vallee de Draa. This wonderful building is dedicated to the Amazigh way of life in the Draa Valley. With plenty of exhibits including jewellery, weapons, and even wedding outfits, this is a fascinating insight into the lives of the desert people.
And don’t miss the Festival of the Nomad in the nearby village of M’hamid where tribes from all over Morocco congregate to celebrate their unique culture.
ZAGORA CYCLING
The area around Zagora is ideal for enjoyable winter and spring riding. The weather at this time of the year is warm, but not overpoweringly hot, and riding in the desert under the Moroccan sun is an amazing experience.
The roads in the area are mainly good quality and work is ongoing to ensure that all roads are maintained. Once outside the town the road climbs gently up the Draa Valley, a lush valley lined with palm trees and greenery. As you approach the high points, make sure you take time to enjoy the stunning views of the area.
If you’re more of an off-roader then you’ll find all the challenge that you could ever want, whether it’s dried up lakebeds, steep valley sides, or the sand of the Sahara itself.
ZAGORA DESERT TREKS
The southern town of Zagora rests in the sands of the Sahara, making it an ideal base from which to take a desert trek. But it’s not all endless sands as far as the eye can see. You can explore along the banks of the Oued Draa River, which bustles with wildlife, or travel by foot, 4×4, or camel through fields of date palms and into the stunning Draa valley. The area retains its age-old charm with signs proclaiming that, if you were so inclined, it would take 52 days to reach Timbuktu by camel, (although we’d recommend getting the bus). Hire a local guide or join an organised excursion, but make sure a desert trek is at the top of your ‘to do’ list.
ZAGORA FAMILY DAYS OUT
If you want a family holiday that is a world away from the usual beaches and theme parks, then a trip to Zagora is ideal. It’s a place where children can enjoy exploring the natural side of the world, in an environment that will captivate them.
Try a trek to the Draa Valley where your children can go fossil hunting or look for animals. The river that runs through it is perfect for a boating trip, and you’ll see traditional Amazigh villages and exotic wildlife. A trip into the desert is a must, and what child could resist the chance to ride on a camel?
ZAGORA FOOD AND DRINK
When it’s time to eat in Zagora you’ll have plenty of options for your dining pleasure. There are many restaurants in town, most towards the centre, and they serve a wide selection of traditional Moroccan dishes – fill your plates with couscous, tagines, or perhaps Madfouna – the ‘Berber Pizza’. These delicious dishes have the dough on the outside, and are filled with all sorts of different foods such as lamb, steak, eggs, beef and vegetables. It’s also worth visiting the souk and selecting your own wonderfully fresh food from the friendly stall holders.
ZAGORA HAMMAMS
After a long hot day in Zagora, why not refresh yourself with a trip to a traditional hammam? There are several of these Moroccan bath houses in the town, usually family owned and run, and are an ideal way to cleanse yourself after a trip to the desert. They’re also a great way to meet local Moroccans, who use their trips to the hammam as a social occasion as well as somewhere to get clean.
As well as the hammams in town, many hotels offer the same service. These are usually more similar to western style spas and more expensive than the traditional offerings, so the choice is yours!
ZAGORA MOTORCYCLING
If you’re taking a motorbike tour of Morocco, then at some point in your trip you must make it to the desert, and where better than Zagora?
It’s in this part of the world that you can bike into the Draa Valley, one of the most scenic parts of the country. The landscape is breathtaking and the fast sweeping bends are an absolute joy to ride. There are also plenty of opportunities for you to take your bike off road, how can you possibly resist the opportunity to say you’ve ridden in the Sahara?
ZAGORA PEOPLE
The people of Zagora have been shaped by their environment for many years. Centuries living on the edge of the desert have forged a strong sense of independence into these Moroccans, but at the same time they are friendly and welcoming to visitors to their town. A mix of Arab and Amazigh, they have a proud past, and much of their ancestry can be traced back to the Almoravid dynasty who had a strong presence in this area during the eleventh century.
ZAGORA RETREATS
If you’re looking for somewhere to go to get away from it all, rest, relax, and reconnect with yourself and nature then Zagora is the place to do just that. The vast desert on its doorstep means that this is an extremely popular place to take a retreat, and there are many companies who will organise trips on which you can practise yoga, meditate, practise chakra flow and even desert flow in the quietude of the dunes.
top hotels in Zagora
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Paradise awaits you at Dar Hnini, lush green oasis in the heart of the abundant Draa Valley. Indulge yourself in the unparalleled natural beauty of green date palm trees set against the backdrop of volcanic mountain rangers creating spellbinding sanctuary.
Location : Google Map
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The Riad Jasmine Sud is a magnificent building nestled in the heart of the town of Zagora in the south of Morocco. Once it was an oasis, today it is a beautiful city in the heart of the desert. Zagora is a paradise of sand and palm trees . The perfect setting for a successful holiday.
By staying in our Riad Zagora , you can enjoy a comfortable and typically Moroccan stay. The streets surrounding our property are full of history and heritage. From Djebel Zagora to its huge palm grove and Kasbahs, there are many places for hiking and walking. We advise you to take the time to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of our beautiful country.
Our Riad Zagora is designed and designed to make you live a wonderful stay during which you will immerse yourself in the customs of the country. We have restaurants and 7 rooms with magnificent suites. The entire staff offers you its kindness and friendliness. You will feel right at home and we will be delighted to tell you more about our history. In fact, the riad is the fruit of an exciting love between two inhabitants of the city.
Location : Google Map
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Riad dar Sofian enjoys an exceptional location in the Palm grove of Zagora. To the East mountains, to the West palm grove and the pleasure of being in the middle of this now protected territory.
Riad Dar Sofian consists of ten rooms and a suite. Some have terraces; others overlook the mountain, garden or swimming pool.
Our traditional menu is personalised. You will be able to take your meals around the swimming pool, on the terraces, in the living rooms, around the cactus garden or under the large Berber tent.
For your comfort the riad is air-conditioned and Wifi via satellite is available everywhere. Besides Arabic, the staff speaks French and English.
Location : Google Map
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With an outdoor swimming pool and 2 restaurants, Le Riad Salam Zagora offers air-conditioned rooms in the center of Zagora. Free parking is provided on site and Zagora Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
Offering a view of the pool or gardens, guest rooms are simply decorated and feature a seating area with satellite TV. Each room at Le Riad Salam Zagora has an private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries.
Breakfast is available each morning and can be enjoyed in the comfort of guests’ rooms upon request. For other meals, traditional Moroccan and international dishes are available in the restaurants.
Guests can relax in the bar or lounge where free Wi-Fi access is provided. Staff are available on site 24 hours a day and can help guests organize excursions in the surrounding area.
Location : Google Map
Contact us
enquiry@specialmorocco.com
07 rue Tarablous, QI 80000
AGADIR, MOROCCO
+1 763 219 8777 ( US )
+212 698 193 183 ( MOROCCO )
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